825 000 guests, more than 500 events, over 150 invited artists and craftsmen - the Festival of India, Bharat Utsav, has ended in Moscow

The event took place from July 5 to 13 on Manezhnaya Square, one of the central venues of the Summer in Moscow project. Craftsmen from India conducted creative classes for everyone and introduced  guests to the culture and traditions of India. The festival attracted a lot of attention from residents and visitors of the city alike.

A rich programme was prepared for  guests  of the event - more than 500 events were held on Manezhnaya Square, over 150 artists and craftsmen performed, and more than 10 activity zones were opened. In total, Bharat Utsav in Moscow was attended by 825 000 people. Indian states like Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Kashmir, Nagaland, Gujarat, Odisha, and many others were involved in the event's planning and execution.

The event was held as part of the large-scale project  ’Summer in Moscow’.  Visitors learned the basics of yoga and the Hindi language, got familiar with the movements of Kathak and Odissi dances, immersed themselves in the vibrant world of Bollywood, tasted authentic Indian food, and took memorable photos in colourful photo zones. In addition, the guests tried on saris, applied henna, learnt traditional Indian painting and much, much more.

Dance performances and concerts revealed the culture of India in all its diversity. Muscovites and tourists got acquainted with episodes from the Indian epic, the art of different regions and ceremonial dress.

Among the most popular events of the festival were meditation classes, as well as lectures and yoga sessions. The teachers were representatives of various Russian studios and of the Cultural Centre at the Embassy of India. They taught asanas, breathing techniques, and movement philosophy.

At the Indian goods’ fair, guests could enjoy the exquisite aromas of essential oils from Kannauj, taste elite tea varieties, examine samples of artistic wood carvings from Jodhpur, blue ceramics from Rajasthan, and pashmina shawls from Kashmir.

All the flavours of Indian cuisine could be appreciated at the food court - from bright vegetarian delicacies to spicy meat masterpieces. At the event, visitors also can purchase mangoes from India. Moving from hut to hut, foodies got acquainted with dishes from different regions of the country and were treated to strong fragrant masala tea.

According to The Moscow City Tourism Committee, about half of the foreign guests who visited the capital last year expressed their intention to return. Among non-CIS countries, India ranks second in terms of tourist  influx to Moscow, which underlines the importance of the positive experience of Indian tourists for the economy and image of the city.

Travellers from India (59%) prefer Indian cuisine,  citing  vegetarian and cultural restrictions as crucial factors. In addition, the survey results show that one in four Indian travellers would like to visit Moscow, as they consider the Russian capital to be a friendlier city, compared to other European destinations. Taking these factors into account, the Festival of India helped to strengthen cultural ties and have  a positive impact on the tourist attractiveness of Moscow as an important international destination.

The Moscow City Tourism Committee is creating a stable brand of the capital as a  key tourist destination not only in Russia, but also in the international arena. To strengthen international relations, the Russian capital organises business missions, presents tourism potential at industry exhibitions, and creates projects and events aimed at foreign tourists.

The Summer in Moscow project is the main event of the season. It brings together the  most vibrant events of the capital. Charity, cultural and sports events are held daily in all districts of the city, most of which are free of charge. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and the new season will become even more intense - brand new, original and colourful  entertainment ideas will be added to the more traditional festivals and events.